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      Germany star, 36, comes out of retirement with eighth tier side after ditching football for poker and endurance racing

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      FORMER Germany star Max Kruse has come out of retirement to play for eighth tier side BSV Al-Dersimspor.The 36-year-old announced his retirement from professional football in December 2023.Max Kruse has announced he is coming out of retirementCredit: GettyMax Kruse has enjoyed racing since quitting football in December 2023Credit: RexKruse has since remained in the sport through the Baller League, a six-a-side indoor football competition founded by his former international team-mates Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski.The ex-Wolfsburg star manages Hollywood United alongside German television presenter Jens Knossalla.Kruse has also enjoyed playing poker in his spare time and racing at Nürburgring.But now he is prepared to break out his boots and return to the pitch.Read More on FootballSpeaking on his Flatterball podcast, Kruse said: “I’m starting sports again this week.”Because on April 28 I have my first district league game.”Yes, I’m playing the district league again.”He is set to play for BSV Al-Dersimspor, an eighth tier side based in Berlin.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho are these famous footballers?
      The former attacker continued: “I don’t know yet whether that’s good for my bones.”I want to have a bit of fun. And doing sport on the side is also good for the body.”Kruse’s professional playing career spanned over 17 years.He started at Werder Bremen in 2006 and went on to play for St Pauli, Freiburg, Borussia Monchengladbach, Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen, Fenerbahce, Union Berlin and SC Paderborn.Kruse found himself in hot water during his time at Wolfsburg in 2016 when club officials found out he snuck off to Berlin for a poker tournament.He won £60,000 but lost his earnings in a taxi while travelling home.After keeping the incident under wraps for several months, he was eventually found out by Wolfsburg chiefs and fined £20,000.And his week was made worse when the German press discovered his Nutella addiction.He was later forced to take part in a community project on his club’s behalf which was building a chicken coop.Kruse is a former Germany internationalCredit: EPA More

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      Bayern Munich president hails Thomas Tuchel for ‘tactical masterpiece’ against Arsenal… just weeks after sacking him

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      BAYERN MUNICH president Herbert Hainer hailed manager Thomas Tuchel for his “tactical masterpiece” against Arsenal, just two months after letting him go.Tuchel, 50, confirmed an agreement was reached with Bayern chiefs that he will depart at the end of the season following a series of poor results that saw the team miss out on all domestic honours.Thomas Tuchel was praised by Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer after eliminating ArsenalCredit: GettyHowever, Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over the Gunners at the Allianz Arena has lifted the mood as the Bavarians’ bid for Champions League glory is very much alive after making the semi-finals.Hainer was ecstatic after full-time and spoke in glowing terms about the ex-Chelsea boss’ work against Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title challengers.The German businessman was especially impressed with the way Tuchel handled star left-back Alphonso Davies’ absence.The ex-Paris Saint-Germain manager fielded right-back Noussair Mazraoui in Davies’ place and had natural left-back Raphael Guerreiro playing ahead of him down the wing.Read More on FootballHainer said: “I think Thomas Tuchel did an excellent job. A tactical masterpiece.”The fact that he played with Nous Mazraoui and Guerreiro was a perfect fit.”Director of sport Max Eberl also commended Tuchel’s tactical move down the left wing.The German tactician’s bold risk paid dividends as he also added cover for Serge Gnabry, who was also absent, while neutralising Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s threat at the same time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEberl said: “Simply done cleverly. Serge was out, Phonzy [Davies] was suspended.”They discussed it very cleverly with the coaching staff how they wanted to do it.”Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal Tuchel is still expected to leave Bayern in May when the season concludes.However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea manager has remained true to his promise of keeping up the hard work until his departure.Tuchel said in February: “We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after the end of this season.”Until then, my coaching staff and I will of course continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success for FC Bayern.” More

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      West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen LIVE SCORE: Europa League updates as Hammers look to turn tie around against German champs

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      WEST HAM host newly crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final TONIGHT.Xabi Alonso’s side go to London with a 2-0 lead after their triumph in the opening leg last week.
      Kick off time: 8pm BST
      TV channel: TNT Sports 2
      Live stream: discovery+
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      Atalanta vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Latest Europa League updates with Reds in need of miracle to secure semi-final spot

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      LIVERPOOL travel to Atalanta for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final TONIGHT.The Reds need a huge performance to turn the tie around after the Italians shocked Anfield by running out 3-0 winners last week.
      Kick off time: 8pm BST
      TV channel: TNT Sports 1
      Live stream: discovery+
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      Vile fan seen PEEING in cup and splashing supporters below as police launch investigation

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      A YOB was caught on film seemingly urinating in a cup and splashing fans underneath during a football match in Mexico.The sickening incident took place on Sunday during the Liga MX match between hosts Monterrey and Tigres at the Estadio BBVA.A vile fan appeared to urinate in a cup before splashing it at a crowd underneathThe fan then appeared to laugh and shout following the actA vile fan, who wore the colours of the visiting team, appeared to be peeing inside a paper coffee cup while looking around him and then dropped the contents to supporters below.The man in question then appeared to be laughing and shouting at everyone watching from underneath.According to The Mail, Mexican authorities have launched an investigation looking for the alleged perpetrator.And the police will check the ground’s archives that include photos fans had to take of themselves before entering the premises.Read More on FootballMexico’s top flight requires all supporters over the age of 12 to submit a selfie and personal data via the Liga MX FAN ID platform.Under those regulations, anyone attending a football match must take a selfie.They then have to scan their legal identification document into a mobile app.Fans attending the game also witnessed immense drama unfolding on the pitch as well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMonterrey and Tigres played out an intense 3-3 draw, which also saw the visitors’ ace Javier Aquino getting sent off.Tigres set the match alight barely a minute after kick-off as they opened the scoring with Juan Brunetta.Police officer set on FIRE and three more injured in violent clashes with Polish yob fans However, Monterrey equalised only seven minutes later with Luis Romo.But Fernando Gorriaran took the visitors back to the locker room with the lead after hitting the back of the net in the second minute of stoppage time.Brunetta completed his brace just a minute into the second half and looked set to hand Robert Siboldi’s side a big win.However, Monterrey got back in the game on 61 minutes with Gerardo Arteaga.And Fernando Ortiz’s men equalised in the 10th minute of stoppage time thanks to German Berterame. More

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      Arsenal’s ‘spooky’ April curse leaves fans astonished with third Mikel Arteta season on verge of being torpedoed

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      ARSENAL fans have bemoaned their April “curse” as another season threatens to go off the rails in the month.Defeat in the Champions League to Bayern Munich last night saw the Gunners dream of making a first semi-final since 2009 left in tatters. Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen foul of their April curseCredit: RexIt is the third year running Arsenal have seen their season derail in AprilCredit: GettyThat followed a 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa which saw Manchester City regain the advantage in this season’s title race, another dream of the Gunners having not won it in 20 years. However, a consistent reality of the last three seasons has seen results for Mikel Arteta’s side crumble in the month of April.When Arsenal were gunning for the top four in 2022, a three-game stretch at the start of the month saw them lose to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.And despite bouncing back to win their final two games of the month, in the end it would cost them as two back-to-back defeats in May allowed Tottenham to pip them to fourth.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile, last season saw Arsenal in a title race, but three draws on the spin against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton before a defeat to Manchester City saw them relinquish their top spot.And history in threatening to repeat itself this season.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here.

      Arsenal, who are in a title race and the Champions League quarter-finals, have seen their form slip up massively.Despite a wins over Brighton and Luton at the start of the month, this followed a 2-2 draw at the Emirates against Bayern Munich, before a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa and 1-0 loss to Bayern yesterday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReacting to the deja vu results, one fan said online: “Arsenal in April, spooky times.”A second said: “April curse continues.”‘Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichA third added: “Football heritage.”Another said: “Arsenal is the biggest April fool.”Arsenal have three games left in the month to try and dispel their curse and get their season back on track, with those matches coming against Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham.Arsenal April fixturesHere’s how Arsenal have performed in the April over the last three seasons.
      2021/22
      Crystal Palace (A) 3-0 L
      Brighton (H) 1-2 L
      Southampton (A) 1-0 L
      Chelsea (A) 2-4 W
      Man Utd (H) 3-1 W
      2022/23
      Leeds (H) 4-1 W
      Liverpool (A) 2-2 D
      West Ham (A) 2-2 D
      Southampton (H) 3-3 D
      Man City (A) 4-1 L
      2023/24*
      Luton (H) 2-0 W
      Brighton (A) 0-3 W
      Bayern Munich (H) 2-2 D
      Aston Villa (H) 0-2 L
      Bayern Munich (A) 1-0 L
      *Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham still to play
      Overall April record in last three years:
      Played: 15, Wins: 5, Draws: 4, Losses: 6 More

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      Euro 2028 stadium lies in ruins just four years before UK and Ireland host with weed-covered ground ‘£230m over-budget’

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      A FOOTBALL stadium set to be used for Euro 2028 is yet to be fully funded.Casement Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is set to undergo a major redevelopment in preparation for the tournament.Casement Park is set to be redeveloped for Euro 2028Credit: PacemakerThe stadium has been unused for over 10 yearsCredit: PacemakerThe redevelopment is expected to cost around £308mCredit: PacemakerHowever, the estimated cost has increased to £308million – £230m more than the initial projection. The original cost of rebuilding the stadium 10 years ago was estimated to be around £77.5m.But at present there is not a funding package in place to pay for the works.Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris has pledged £62.5m, with the Irish government promising £42.8m and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) offering £15m.Read More on FootballHowever, that amounts to less than half of the overall estimated cost.The UK government is allegedly prepared to contribute, but it is yet to give an exact figure.Casement Park has been left unused for over 10 years and it currently lies overgrown.However, there are plans in place to turn it into a 34,500-seater stadium in time for Euro 2028.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe planned stadium will be primarily used for gaelic games with the option of playing other sports too, including football and rugby.Wembley Stadium, Hampden Park, Villa Park, the Aviva Stadium and Everton’s new ground are all among the proposed locations for Euro 2028.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot More

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      Carlo Ancelotti risks Uefa punishment as Real Madrid boss breaks protocol after Man City win

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      REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti risks an earful by UEFA for breaking protocol after a dramatic Champions League victory over Manchester City.Ancelotti, 64, saw his Real side draw 1-1 with City on Wednesday at the Etihad after the hosts’ captain Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti risks UEFA punishment after breaking protocolCredit: RexReal Madrid manager Ancelotti went to the mixed zone after full-timeCredit: GettyHowever, Los Blancos prevailed during a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout thanks to the heroics of Andriy Lunin who handed his team a 4-3 win after denying Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.However, the Italian tactician’s triumph may be spoiled a bit after he appeared to go against UEFA rules regarding post-match interviews.Regulations state both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser about 20 minutes after the end of a match.But the ex-Chelsea and Everton boss spoke with journalists in the mixed zone instead. Read More on FootballThat is where Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.”Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shootout we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game.”I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”Nevertheless, Ancelotti did conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders, such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAncelotti will now look to extend Real’s record Champions League triumphs by sealing the club’s 15th crown, which would mark his third with the Merengues.The Madrid giants are now set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossBayern punched their ticket to the final four after eliminating Arsenal. More